The ban includes one some of the city's largest contractors, despite the fact that most are not a target of the investigation and have not been charged with any crimes.

Dec. 21, Crain's: Suspended as non-responsible are Detroit-based Walbridge Aldinger Co., Inland Waters Pollution Control Inc., Lakeshore Engineering Services Inc., Macomb Township-based D'Agostini and Sons Inc. and three companies tied to Kilpatrick associate and co-defendant Bobby Ferguson, owner and president of Ferguson's Enterprises Inc., along with "any other business which has substantially the same principal parties," according to the motion.

The board appears to be distancing itself from the case, which certainly is understandable, but says it will allow contractors to appeal their suspensions. Walbridge, for one, intends to do so.

Update: Lakeshore Engineering also plans to appeal the DWSD decision to ban them from bidding on contracts, according to a statement from the company: "The unfortunate and arbitrary decision by the Detroit Water and Sewer Department will not allow several of Detroit's most reputable and competent companies from conducting business with the city. As a company that does business around the world, this is not the type of policy we have had to deal with in other jurisdictions. Lakeshore maintains high ethical standards in all its business practices."